Ecstatic reception greets Dayenu at Mardi Gras

Jewish LGBTQ+ group Dayenu marched in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras last Saturday after reversing an earlier decision to withdraw over security concerns.

The event proved to be one of the most successful and uplifting in the group’s history, with more than 120 guests joining pre- and post-parade celebrations. Marchers travelled to the parade route aboard a double-decker bus with an open top deck, building excitement before joining the procession.

The group had initially withdrawn amid fears about the safety of Jewish participants in the wake of rising tensions before reversing its decision following discussions with organisers and police. It ultimately confirmed it would proceed, with additional coordination to help ensure the safety of marchers.

Dayenu president David Klarnett said the achievement of assembling the contingent in such a short period was significant. “The achievement that we could pull that together in about, I think it was 10 days,” he said, describing the support from the wider Jewish community as “just wonderful”.
Dayenu’s presence drew unprecedented roars of support from spectators. Rainbow Magen David flags billowed alongside menorah imagery, symbolising Jewish pride and remembrance in the wake of the tragic Bondi terrorist attack. One marcher carried a Bumble Bee balloon in honour of Matilda, the youngest victim of the attack.
Reflecting on the reception along Oxford Street, Klarnett said it was “the most enthusiastic reaction I can ever remember having Dayenu having”. He added that he had been involved with the group for 20 years and built about 12 floats, and that this year the crowd was “ecstatic to see us”.

The group marched alongside emergency services including the NSW Police Force, Surf Life Saving NSW, Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW Ambulance, reflecting gratitude for the heroic actions at Bondi that saved many lives.

Celebrations began on Friday night with a Shabbat service at Emanuel Synagogue led by Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio, followed by a sold-out dinner for 150 guests. Attendees included Mardi Gras CEO Jesse Matherson, co-chairs Kathy Pavlich and Mits Delisle, and board members Jarrod Lomas and Diana McManus. Representatives from Qtopia Sydney, NCJWA and ACON were also present. Rainbow Australia sponsored the dinner.

Post-parade festivities continued at Double Bay, with marchers dancing until 1:00 am to music by DJ Erez Eisenberger. Double Bay’s Golden Sheaf Hotel supported pre and post-parade events.

In the lead-up, activist group Pride in Protest was excluded after social media posts targeting Dayenu were deemed hateful. Matherson reiterated that participation required respectful behaviour towards fellow marchers. After the posts were not removed, Pride in Protest was notified on Friday that it would not be permitted to take part.

Looking ahead, Klarnett said Dayenu hoped that by 2027 the climate would be “automatically safe and inclusive for Dayenu” and that, after three years of using transport to shelter members from hate speech, the group could return to being “fully fledged members of the LGBT community” in what he described as a safe and inclusive space.

Prominent participants included Will Nemesh, Mayor of Waverley Council; Michele Goldman, CEO of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies; Lynda Ben-Menashe, President of NCJWA; Vic Alhadeff, former Chief Executive of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies; David Goldman, General Manager of Maccabi NSW; Josh Kirsh, candidate for the NSW Legislative Council; and Rabbis Jacqueline Ninio OAM and George Mordecai of Emanuel Synagogue.

Michele Goldman, chief executive of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, said it had been “incredibly uplifting” to march with Dayenu in the Sydney Mardi Gras parade as a proud Jewish Australian.

In the wake of the Bondi terror attack, she said it was more important than ever for Jewish Australians to stand visible, proud and resilient. Goldman expressed gratitude to the Mardi Gras board and organisers for working closely with Dayenu to make its participation possible and thanked NSW Police for safeguarding marchers and helping ensure a safe evening for all.

In the days after the parade, Dayenu received heartfelt messages of appreciation, including “It was a heartwarming experience” and “I had an amazing time; thank you for the invitation,” capturing the spirit of unity and belonging.

After what he described as 10 days of “endless phone calls, texts, WhatsApps, emails”, Klarnett said he was proud of what the group had achieved. “I’m proud of what we achieved,” he said.

Dayenu said it looked forward to welcoming even more community members in 2027 for what it hopes will be an even more inclusive celebration of Jewish LGBTQ+ pride, resilience and joy.